He's our horse: MML guard Demarco Sanders unstoppable in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids--The U-16 Mid-Michigan Lakers, with only one practice under their belt in 2008, lived to play another day in the Grand Rapids Storm tournament this weekend.

The Lakers, led by 6-1 combo guard Demarco Sanders (Flint Powers), went 1-2 in pool play games on Friday and Saturday before holding off the Tri-County Cobras by three in their first game of the single-elimination tournament.

Sanders scored 100 points (25.0 average) in four games--20, 28, 30 and 22. Against TCC, he added eight rebounds and seven assists to his 22 points.

It didn't take more than five minutes before TCC realized that Sanders, on this day, was the man they had to stop. "So that's your horse,"  said TCC's assistant coach.

No doubt.

Against the WM Lakers, basketball fans at the MVP Field House saw something not often seen on the AAU circuit--a box-and-one.

The U-16 Lakers lost their first two games by a combined 18 points to Shoreline Elite and the West Michigan Lakers before bouncing back.

The 16s are set to take on the mighty Michigan Mustangs on Sunday morning.

Other standout performers:

Troy Wright (G, Saginaw Heritage) - The Lakers' point guard dropped his share of dimes this weekend, but also managed to score in double-figures three times including 15 points in the opener against SL Elite. How this kid didn't play varsity at Heritage is beyond me.

Jordan Gorshe (F, Fowlerville) - MML's 6-7 center played in only two games, but really showed off his all-around game. Gorshe is skilled with either hand and can step out to 15 feet. Gorshe scored 18 points against a big West Michigan squad.

Joey Jerisk (G, Burton Bentley) - No one outworks this kid. Jerisk is a tough on-the-ball defender with quick feet and a strong upper body. But, here's a little known fact: JJ can play some 'O', too. Jerisk had 17 points including a couple pivotal baskets down the stretch to keep the Lakers in GR for one more night.

U-17 Update: The U-17 Lakers play their first game of the single-elimination tournament at 9:30 Sunday morning. Coach Pope's Lakers went 1-2 in pool play, losing their first game in overtime and splitting their final two versus the BA Hurricanes (win) and Parallel 45.

Top performances by the numbers:

Points - Dequan Horn (24 versus Parallel 45)

Rebounds - Ryan Schultz (11 versus BA Hurricanes)

Assists - Russell Hope (9 versus BA Hurricanes)

Blocks - Ryan Schultz (6 versus BA Hurricanes)

Steals - Russell Hope (5 versus Next Generation)

All-around - Kevin Pickens (double-figures in each game)